A yacht charter in the Caribbean is a guarantee of a heavenly experience. From the British Virgin Islands to Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, or Martinique, the Caribbean is a destination that has it all :
Turquoise waters
Tropical breezes
White sandy beaches
Numerous world-class moorings
All islands have hidden gems that are begging to be discovered: coves, isolated islets, and bays only reachable by boat. Your itinerary options are endless, the area is a true yachting paradise.
Main Caribbean destinations for yacht rental
British Virgin Islands (BVI) and US Virgin Islands (USVI)
The BVI and USVI are among the most renowned destinations for luxury yacht charters in the Caribbean. Fully crewed boats are waiting for your next adventures around Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, or St John. It is easy to go from BVI to USVI and vice versa during your cruise to discover one of the most exclusive archipelagoes in the region. An all-time favourite destination.
Leeward islands: Antigua & Barbuda and St Maarten
The Leeward Islands have also been popular for a private yacht charter in the Caribbean. Each of them has its cultural influences that are always a pleasure to discover. The area is popular with all kinds of boat rental: catamarans, sailboats, or motor yachts. Several marinas are available around these islands and can host even the biggest megayachts available for rental in the Caribbeans.
Windward Islands : Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadine, and Dominica
The Windward Islands include all the larger islands of the Lesser Antilles. Chartering a yacht around them is one of the best things to do in the Caribbean. From the Marigot Bay in St Lucia to the Mosquito island, it’s a luxury adventure awaiting you in one of the most beautiful and preserved parts of the region.
French Antilles : Martinique and Guadeloupe
Martinique and Guadeloupe are two French overseas territories and a haven for yacht charters. Hikes around volcanoes such as the Mount Pelee, snorkeling around infamous bays such as Anse Mitan, Salines Beach, or Malendure beach. For an adventure off the beaten path, the Saintes Islands are a must-go.
Best time to rent a yacht in the Caribbean
The high season for the Caribbean is in the winter months. Christmas holidays, February, and the Easter holidays can be particularly in demand so it is wise to book well in advance to get the boat of your choice.
In winter, Alizes winds blow northeast between 25 and 30 knots and the sailing conditions can be difficult. If you are a beginner, you may want to avoid crossing the channels between islands. Alternatively, you can hire a crewed yacht with a professional skipper.
Between November and January, the prevailing wind is from the northeast at 15-20 knots. This allows you to sail in pleasant conditions.
The average high temperatures range from 30 to 32°C all year round, the highest being from July to October.
Access to the Caribbean islands
The islands are well served by commercial flights, but you can also use the charter services of private planes. They can serve San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas or embark from Martinique to St. Vincent, Union.
The pilots of these planes are extremely accommodating and help you complete customs entry documents to the islands.
Many moorings are available throughout the Caribbean. Depending on the location and time of the year, arriving at a mid-afternoon anchorage is wise to get a spot.
One-way options may be offered for some itineraries. Some examples: Martinique - Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent or Grenada or departure from Saint Lucia to Union or Canouan.
Climate
The climate of the Caribbean is tropical with local variations, depending on mountain elevation, water currents, and the trade wind. Temperatures are almost always moderate with very little seasonal variation. Temperatures in the Caribbean are not significantly variable as they range from around 28°C (85°F) in July-August to around 24°C (75°F) in January-February.
